A Synopsis of the Church’s History
Woodlawn Baptist Church began under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Albert Henry with Monroe Washington as Sunday School Superintendent, Rev. Tyson, Deacon Jim Price, and Deacon George Ford in 1880. His successors included Rev Henry Johnson, Rev. Tyson, Rev. Tippie Harris of Grambling, Rev. W.M. Rutland of Dubach, and Rev. Roy Mayfield. Earlier deacons were Wash
Fields, John Fisher, Ed Jenkins, Rufus Spivey, Wright Warren Ellis Cottingham, Louis Fields, Will Jones, and Florence Williams. During the early forties, Rev. Paten E. Pierce of Monroe became pastor. Succeeding him as pastor were Rev. Lonnie Lewis of Downsville, Rev. M.S. Stroman of Arcadia, and Rev. Flynn Melton of Jonesboro. In 1954, Rev. W. Moore of Homer was elected to lead as pastor. Under him, the church purchased a new piano, renovations were made to the church, indoor facilities were added and the Woodlawn School was purchased to add to the church for the dining area. In November of 1969, Rev. B.J. Washington of Monroe was called to pastor. He began the task to build a new church. Huddie Taylor was the Assistant Pastor then and under his leadership during the Spring Revival. Edward Morris, who was elected pastor in September of 1973, was young, energetic, innovative, and enthusiastic. During his pastorate, plans continued for a new church and two deacons were added – Clem Lewis and Huey Fields. Thadis Payne, Sr. of El Dorado, AR, under whom the current facility went from plans to reality, succeeded him in May of 1976. It was completed, furnished, and dedicated in December of 1977. Milan Thornton, an ordained deacon was added to the deacon board. Cleophus Fields and Ronnie Fields were appointed as deacons. Payne was instrumental in leading the church to its MORTGAGE CANCELLATION SERVICE on January 26, 1992, burning the mortgage note fourteen years before time. In addition, the church purchased new hymnals, new lighting fixtures, cushioned the pews, and added communion/hymnal racks to the pew backs for the beautification and comfort of the sanctuary. Payne served diligently until his health began to fail him. In April of 1997, Rev. Moses McIntosh, a native Mississippian, was elected to pastor. During his two-year tenure, two previously appointed deacons were ordained. He was instrumental in the acquisition of baptismal robes, a portable communion case to serve those unable to attend service; new Bibles, the Christian flag and the U.S. flag. In September 1999, Michael Weeks, Sr. became the shepherd to lead Woodlawn into the new Millennium. Robert L. Gibson was ordained as deacon. The Baptist Training Union was revived, the youth auxiliary has been reorganized, and a new church van has been purchased. God sent Rev. Ruben Sims in February 2006 under whom spiritual nourishment & growth continue by establishing full-time Sunday Morning Worship, promoting weekly Bible Study, refurbishing carpet & tile in sanctuary, replaced the church roof, installed two new deacons: Bros. Donald R. Lewis & Alvis Hill & declared Deacon Huey V. Fields as Deacon Emeritus. In February of 2012, Rev. Adrian Nelson was elected to lead the Woodlawn Congregation. Known Sunday School Superintendents have been Deacon Monroe Washington, Deacon Will Jones, Deacon F.C. Williams, Bro. Everett Lewis, Deacon Huey V. Fields, and Bro. Prevoice Gibson who has faithfully served since 1961.
